An American on Holiday

"It's like an enjoyable punch in the face", smiled the Scotsman matter-of-factly. While the "it" in question refers to a scotch whisky, I can now say with confidence that a trip across the pond in the summer of 2010 can also be likened as such. Following a spring semester abroad in Italy, I enlisted two partners in crime and ventured to lands where the signs were less likely to end in "ria" and more likely to warn you to "Mind the gap".

While Liverpool introduced us to the "bum wiggle", the latest dance craze with the blokes, Manchester perfected the art of the "hen party". As endless gaggles of giggling women followed their veil-clad leaders, we Yanks toasted with modest pride to England and USA's World Cup draw, while the Brits channeled pre-1776 tensions that kept things lively.

Ireland stole our hearts and my sniffles. Normally, my battle against congestion would easily quash a summer vacation stateside. However, Dublin proved to be a most loyal nurse as authentic Hot toddies and a trip to the Jameson factory were just what the doctor ordered.

Scotland's Edinburgh was equally as charming. We became acquainted with the native "Heeland Coo" (Hint: Google "Highland Cow"), vegetarian haggis (who knew?), and a castle that rivals Disneyland's. Which brings us to the barkeep likening whisky to "an enjoyable punch in the face". While I have yet to experience a hit with a fist, I'm more than happy to reminisce about the summer of 2010 instead.